Hamlin supervisors to adopt tax-relief program

March 13, 2012

HAZEL HURST – A revised property tax-relief program for business and industry is coming in Hamlin Township.
The state-authorized Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program is designed to encourage commercial development in the township.
Portville Trucking—referred to as “Big Dog”—at Lantz Corners is expected to qualify for participation in the new LERTA, according to Julie Graham, secretary-treasurer for the township.
Township Supervisors Don Compton and Guy Raught agreed Monday to advertise the LERTA ordinance. The supervisors are expected to approve the ordinance at their next meeting April 9. Supervisor Joni Britton did not attend the Monday meeting due to illness.
The township previously adopted a LERTA ordinance. However, it reportedly did not meet certain criteria and had to be revised, Graham said.
Under LERTA, businesses and industry can seek property tax relief for new projects. A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at the township office.
In other business at the 70-minute meeting at the township building in Hazel Hurst, the supervisors:
*Agreed to consider adoption of an ordinance to create a safety zone in the vicinity of the Bradford Regional Airport in adjacent Lafayette Township.
The ordinance restricts the height of structures and trees within the zone. The five-page proposed ordinance is available for public inspection at the township office.
The supervisors are expected to adopt the ordinance April 9.
*Reviewed a resolution that supports proposed state legislation to raise the threshold for “prevailing wage” projects from $25,000 to $185,000.
The McKean County Board of Commissioners last week backed this legislation. Municipalities in the county have been asked to adopt similar resolutions of support.
See full article by purchasing the March 14 edition of The Kane Republican.